Axle Shaft: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article for Important Safety Warnings. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: When removing the rear brake caliper in this procedure, it is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic lines.

Remove the rear brake caliper and the brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE article.
- Support the rear brake caliper with mechanic's wire.
Position the rear brake anti-lock sensor aside.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Remove the sensor and position it aside.

Fig 1: Rear Brake Anti-Lock Sensor Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the differential housing cover. For additional information, refer to Differential Housing Cover .

CAUTION: Once the differential pinion shaft has been removed, turning the differential case or an axle shaft can cause the differential pinion gears to fall out of the assembly. This may result in damage to the component.

Remove the differential pinion shaft.
1. Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
2. Remove the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 2: Differential Pinion Shaft & Lock Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the axle shaft U-washer groove.

Remove the axle shaft U-washer.
1. Push the axle shaft inboard.
2. Remove the U-washer.

Fig 3: Identifying U-Washer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Reinstall the differential pinion shaft.
1. Push the axle shaft outboard.
2. Install the differential pinion shaft.
3. Install the differential pinion shaft lock bolt finger-tight.

Fig 4: Axle Shaft, Differential Pinion Shaft & Lock Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

Remove the axle shaft.

Fig 5: Identifying Axle Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.